More than a thousand people gathered at Texas Wesleyan University on Oct. 22 to celebrate the Rosedale Renaissance and the transformation it brings to campus and to Southeast Fort Worth.

"There is no doubt that today we are celebrating the beginning of a new era," Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach, said. "The Rosedale Renaissance is our foundation for a bright future."

Local dignitaries, including City of Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks were a part of the 1,000 plus crowd that gathered for the dedication. 

Texas Wesleyan’s mascot, Willie the Ram, even made a special appearance for the ribbon cutting via zip line.

Cornerstones of the project

The Rosedale Renaissance is a $6.7 million dollar project that revitalizes the Texas Wesleyan campus and the Polytechnic neighborhood, and represents the University’s vision for the future.

The Rosedale Renaissance project has four key pieces:

The Canafax Clock Tower and new entry way, which will serve as a "front door" to the University and include a reflecting pool and visitor parkingThe United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center, which will also be home to the bishop's officesThe renovation of the Polytechnic Firehouse, which now houses the art departmentA $1.8 million investment in the streets adjacent to campus that leverages $32 million in street improvements along East Rosedale

Texas Wesleyan collaborated with the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to make the transformation happen, and the public-private partnership was vital to the success of the project.

The improvements being made to campus do much more than enhance the aesthetic quality of campus — they lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in Southeast Fort Worth.

"Any one of these projects would be a victory worth celebrating, but these four projects together truly signify the rebirth and emergence of Polytechnic Heights as a growing economic center in the city of Fort Worth," said Commissioner Brooks. "Our vision for economic growth in Southeast Fort Worth begins today."

All a part of the 2020 Vision

"Campus Enhancement" is a key component of the University’s 2020 Vision strategic plan, which serves as a blueprint for building a future as bright as its past.

"The Rosedale Renaissance Project provides a perfect gateway for the future of this school," said Mayor Price. "[Texas Wesleyan] will now be the focal point for the community."